HENKE + PARTNER at the AKG Spring Meeting in Berlin

Symposium on "Invisible Processes – Logistics in Healthcare Construction", organised and moderated by HENKE + PARTNER

This year once again, HENKE + PARTNER organized the specialist conference for the AKG Spring Meeting. Under the compelling title “Invisible Processes – Logistics in Hospitals”, the topic of supply and waste disposal flows – and the significant factors they influence in the planning process for healthcare buildings – was examined from multiple perspectives.

Markus Kasper (AKG Board Member) kicked off the day with an introduction to the topic, introduced our speakers and moderated the morning session.

Simon Batt-Nauerz (Charité CFM) launched the symposium with his presentation “Between Vision and Reality: Hospital Operations as a Planning Basis Using the Example of Charité Berlin”, emphasising the importance of function, operations, and processes in the planning and construction of healthcare facilities. It provided a valuable insights into the current structure and future vision of Charité.

F.-Ludwin Hafer explained the fundamental aspects of logistics planning and why logistics planning often fails to meet the needs of tomorrow’s clinical operations. His key message: "Think boldly about the future and incorporate logistics into the planning process at an early stage."

Marcus Hintze (Fraunhofer IML), in his presentation on Smart Hospital Logistics, examined the field of robotics and its future significance for hospital operations. Looking ahead and considering what research is already exploring today encourages us to think ahead, whilst still questioning the validity and feasibility of the various systems.

The symposium concluded with a presentation from China: Zhenglong Chu (IPPR) provided insights into the planning methods and logistical solutions used in Chinese healthcare projects. His detailed analysis of processes and the differences in scale compared to national projects subsequently sparked a lively discussion among the members.

In addition to the symposium, a number of projects were visited, including the Rahel Hirsch Centre at Charité, the new North Wing of Vivantes Neukölln Hospital, the Bundeswehr Hospital site, and the two research centres, SiM and BeCAT. Exciting projects that demonstrate how architecture can provide a framework for and promote research and health.

A big thank you to our speakers and all attendees and members of the AKG for the engaging weekend, the interesting discussions and the inspiring guided tours of the projects.

Cover Image: Mathias Lehmann-AKG

More about the Symposium